AHOSKIE – Be aware: the “potty” crew is making their rounds in the Ahoskie area.

Upon rising from a restful sleep, you may have become a victim overnight….the evidence is deposited in your front yard in the form of a purple toilet, complete with a floral arrangement within its bowl.

However, before contacting law enforcement to report an act of vandalism, know that you are the latest victim of a campaign staged by local youth in their effort to address worldwide hunger.

The “FLUSH OUT HUNGER” campaign is a fundraiser conducted by the youth group at First Baptist Church Ahoskie in order to raise money for the 30 Hour Famine sponsored by World Vision.

“Our youth group is raising awareness and funds to help write a different story for so many children,” said Mattea Pavlick, Minister of Youth and Children at First Baptist.

She added that “FLUSHING OUT HUNGER” is just one of fundraisers the youth group is hosting.

In order to remove the lovely purple potty which now resides in your front yard, the victim must pay $10 and it will be removed instantly. A donation of $5 places the potty in the front yard of your choosing. For $15, an individual can purchase “potty insurance” to guarantee that you will not be hit by the purple potty again. If you fail to purchase “potty insurance”, there is a chance the purple privy may show up in your front yard again.

The potty will be in circulation from now until April 29.

“Please know that the potty war is all in fun and for a good cause,” Pavlick said. “Help us reach our team goal and FLUSH OUT HUNGER.”

Those wanting to take part in the campaign, contact First Baptist Church of Ahoskie at 332-4003.

Every day 8,000 kids die because of hunger related causes.

“We can’t just sit back and let this happen,” Pavlick stressed. “As we enter March, students in fifth to twelfth grades will be partnering with World Vision to raise funds and awareness for world hunger through the 30-Hour Famine.  Our students will spend the next six weeks learning about loving God and fighting hunger.  Through individual and team efforts, we will try to reach our goal.”

Pavlick said the fund raising campaign will commence with the actual 30-Hour Famine event, which will be held at the church from 6 p.m. on Friday, April 29 until 6 p.m. the following day. During this event, students will get a crash course in global hunger by going 30 hours without food.

“We’ll provide loads of activities to make sure the famine experience is life-changing.” Pavlick noted. “Every $30 raised can help feed and care for a child for an entire month.”

The youth will also host the “Love Hungry” Cafe in the Fellowship Hall before Sunday School and worship, providing muffins and coffee for donations going towards the team goal.  The coffee house will begin at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday through April 24.